Marine Device Trim Control Using GPS and Bathymetry Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel systems lack an efficient method to automatically adjust the trim position of marine devices to prevent collisions with the water bottom in shallow waters, relying on manual operation or inadequate auto-trim features that may not ensure the safety of the vessel's propulsion system.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a global positioning system (GPS) and bathymetry data to determine the water depth and automatically raise the marine device using actuators, such as trim actuators or jack plate actuators, to maintain a safe trim position relative to the water depth, preventing collisions and ensuring safe operation in shallow waters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation or inadequate auto-trim features are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of preventing collision with water bottom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by determining water depth using GPS and bathymetry data before the marine device collides with the bottom. The control system proactively raises the marine device when shallow water is detected, preventing the harmful effect of collision before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring water depth information and comparing it with the current position of the marine device. The control system adjusts the trim position based on this feedback loop, ensuring the marine device maintains a safe distance from the bottom while automatically adapting to changing water conditions.
2Reliability
If automatic trim adjustment system is implemented, then reliability of preventing collision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by integrating multiple functions into a single control module: GPS signal processing, bathymetry data retrieval, water depth calculation, marine device position monitoring, and automatic trim control. This multi-functional approach improves safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
3Productivity
If real-time water depth monitoring is implemented, then productivity of navigation safety improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by updating water depth information and adjusting trim position at appropriate intervals rather than continuously. The control system monitors water depth and activates trim adjustment only when depth changes indicate potential collision risk, reducing energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for a marine vessel operating in a body of water includes a trimmable marine device coupled to and movable with respect to the vessel and an actuator that raises and lowers the marine device. A control module is in signal communication with the actuator. A GPS receiver determines a current and/or predicted global position of the vessel, and a processor accesses a memory storing bathymetry data and retrieves a water depth corresponding to the vessel's current and/or predicted global position. The control module compares the water depth to a depth of the marine device based on the marine device's current position. The actuator raises the marine device in response to the control module determining that the water depth is not enough to accommodate the depth of the marine device at the current position without potential collision between the marine device and the body of water's bottom.